Explore Every Cultural Village in Sabah – Mari Mari & Hidden Gems

While Mari Mari Cultural Village often receives the spotlight, Sabah is dotted with many other communities that open their doors to curious travelers. Each village in Sabah carries a distinctive story, environment, and cultural tapestry. Spending time in these destinations rewards you with a broader understanding of Borneo’s heritage.

1. Monsopiad Heritage Village – Legends of the Kadazan-Dusun

Situated on the banks of the Penampang River, Monsopiad Heritage Village pays tribute to a legendary Kadazan warrior named Monsopiad. This cultural village in Sabah is both educational and slightly spine-tingling. 

• Historical Significance: Monsopiad was famed for defending his people from marauding enemies. Artifacts from his time, including ceremonial weapons, are preserved in the House of Skulls, where 42 human skulls hang as silent testimony to a turbulent past. 

• Interactive Experiences: Visitors can learn traditional rice wine brewing, observe the Sumazau dance, and witness bamboo fire-starting techniques. 
• Why Visit: The village’s setting along a gentle river and its mix of folklore and history make it a perfect half-day trip from Kota Kinabalu. Families and history enthusiasts find it especially captivating.

2. Kg. Bavanggazo Rungus Longhouse – Living the Longhouse Life

In Kudat, about three hours north of Kota Kinabalu, you’ll encounter the welcoming Rungus community. The longhouse at Kg. Bavanggazo stands as a living museum and active homestay. 

• Architecture & Lifestyle: Built entirely from local hardwood and bamboo, the communal structure houses multiple families under one roof. Staying overnight lets you experience the warmth of Rungus hospitality and the practical brilliance of their design, which promotes airflow and social cohesion. 

• Hands-On Activities: Guests can weave mats from pandan leaves, try beadwork, or learn the delicate art of basket-making. Evening storytelling sessions—often accompanied by the deep rhythms of gong music—reveal the myths and daily wisdom of the Rungus people. 

• Sustainability Angle: Your stay directly supports community projects such as mangrove replanting and youth education programs.

3. Linangkit Cultural Village – The Heart of Lotud Traditions

Located near Tuaran, Linangkit Cultural Village showcases the heritage of the Lotud tribe, known for their vibrant attire and meticulous handicrafts. 

• Unique Highlights: Watch the creation of Linangkit, a type of decorative embroidery that gives the village its name. You can also sample linopot, a rice dish wrapped in banana leaves and join a rice-wine brewing demonstration. 

• Community Interaction: Friendly hosts encourage questions and love sharing the stories behind their rituals, from marriage ceremonies to harvest celebrations. 

• Travel Convenience: Only a 40-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu, it’s an ideal add-on for visitors who have already planned how to get to Mari Mari Village and are looking for another quick cultural stop. 

4. Tagal Tinopikon Park – River Guardians of the Dusun

Although technically a community eco-park, Tagal Tinopikon functions like a village in Sabah, centered on the Dusun people’s harmonious relationship with nature. 

• Tagal System: “Tagal” means “no fishing,” a sustainable practice where villagers take turns protecting and harvesting fish populations. 

• Activities: Enjoy river tubing, bamboo rafting, and even a natural fish spa as hundreds of friendly river fish nibble gently at your feet. 

• Cultural Touches: Between water adventures, learn traditional cooking methods and hear how the tagal system has preserved the river’s health for generations. 

5. Maranjak Longhouse Lodge – Remote Escape in Kudat

For travelers seeking deeper immersion, the Maranjak Longhouse offers a rustic yet comfortable retreat amid coconut plantations and the South China Sea’s salty breeze. 

• Authentic Experience: Nights are spent in communal rooms with woven mats, while days involve farming, fishing, and foraging alongside local families. 

• Cultural Demonstrations: Participate in gong-making sessions or taste unique Rungus dishes flavored with wild herbs. 

• Perfect For: Adventurers who enjoy unplugging from modern life to embrace the slower rhythm of a cultural village in Sabah. 

6. Kampung Sumangkap Gong Village – Music of Metal

This small settlement near Kudat resonates with the clang of traditional gong-making, a craft passed down through countless generations. 

• Heritage Craftsmanship: Watch artisans shape bronze into perfectly tuned gongs, essential instruments for Sabah’s ceremonies and celebrations. 

• Visitor Perks: You can purchase a handcrafted gong or try your skill at beating one to produce that deep, resonant note symbolic of Bornean festivities. 

Why These Villages Matter 

Each village in Sabah described here plays a crucial role in keeping Borneo’s heritage vibrant. From the mystical stories of Monsopiad to the rhythmic metalwork of Kampung Sumangkap, these places safeguard not only art and music but also communal values of harmony, sustainability, and respect for nature. 

By visiting several of these destinations—beyond simply figuring out how to get to Mari Mari Village—you create a richer narrative of your Sabah adventure. Every handshake, every meal, and every shared laugh strengthens the bridge between traveler and host, ensuring these traditions remain alive for generations to come.